Predictors of patient and proxy satisfaction with discharge plans

If patients are not readily available, family members or others sometimes are used as substitute informants when evaluating consumer satisfaction. Little is known, however, about the extent to which responses of patients and proxies are interchangeable. In this study, patients (N = 225) or significant others (N = 115) provided an overall rating of discharge plans, as well as information on psychosocial, health, and post-hospital service related factors, at 3-4 weeks post-discharge. While no difference was found between mean plan ratings for the two groups, substantial differences were found in factors predicting satisfaction for patients and for proxies. Results indicate that care should be taken in using proxy ratings in the place of patient ratings, particularly when developing strategies for enhancing consumer satisfaction. Findings are discussed as they relate to continuity of care initiatives and programs for enhancement of desirable health utilization behaviors, in the context of managed care.